March Is Here!

We’ve reached the third month of the year, and with taxes, basketball, Mardi Gras, and St. Patrick’s Day, there’s a lot to look forward to. March Madness is here, so if you like basketball, be sure to tune into your sports station and watch the big game.

Tips for College Students

Are there any old items that you’ve been meaning to get rid of? Well, spring is here, and it’s time for spring cleaning. Goodwill accepts donations year-round, and it is tax season, so feel free to write it off on your taxes as a donation. Join us for National Cleaning Week for different cleaning supplies so you can clean and organize the clutter in your life. Also, if you currently have a job and have received your W-2, go ahead and get started filing your taxes. The earlier, the better!

Fun Fact

More than 50% of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call.

March Is the Month of:

Employee
Appreciation Day (March 1)

National Women’s
History Month

Girl Scout Day
(March 12)

St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)

March Recipe: Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds of ground beef (substitutions available)

1 package of taco seasoning mix

1 can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can of tomato sauce

1 can of whole kernel corn, drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup of coarsely crushed tortilla chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Brown the meat in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Drain the fat.

Stir in the seasoning mix, beans, tomato sauce, and corn. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 5 minutes. Spoon into a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese and tortilla chips.

Bake 5–10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with assorted toppings, if desired.

Reminders & Updates:

Stay posted for all of our events, and be sure to come out with your friends/roommates. Also, there has been a lot of pet waste left on each floor; please take your dogs and/or cats outside. We have a wonderful pet area as well as waste trash bags, so utilize them to the fullest. Please refrain from vandalizing the vending machines by shaking/hitting them. If one is found vandalizing a vending machine, there will be a minimum $100 fine per occurrence. Thank you in advance!

Soft Skills Make a Difference

A positive attitude and the ability to look someone in the eye while giving a firm handshake can truly set two very similar candidates apart in the job process. In this day and age of hiring and recruiting, we’ve been hearing a lot about soft skills, or people skills, when describing a candidate’s interviewing and hiring process. These are the skills that basically allow you to get along and interact with others in a work and social environment. Your ability to evaluate and hone your people skills should be part of your job prep, just as you ensure your resume is clean and typo-free.

An employee should be able to communicate, listen, share ideas, and interact with people (sometimes difficult people) in a way that demonstrates professionalism at all times. During the interview process, while your resume is showing your credentials, you are inherently demonstrating your soft skills. It takes constructive thought to be the person you want to be in the workplace. It doesn’t just happen by chance — it happens via thoughtful awareness, informed actions, and respectful engagements.

The skills of success, such as being adaptable, being positive, having a willingness to assist, and conveying a strong work ethic, are arguably more important than any degree or credential.

Community Events

National Peanut Butter Day — March 1, All Day — If you love peanut butter, this is the day for you to come show your gratification. Stop by the office to indulge in this creamy, decadent treat.

Fat Tuesday — March 5 @ 1 p.m. — It’s Mardi Gras, which means it’s time to kick off flamboyant with purple, gold, and green. Stop by the office for a piece of king cake to enjoy a taste of New Orleans.

Birthdays — March 8, All Day — Stop by the office to help us celebrate March birthdays and enjoy a piece of ice cream cake. Everyone deserves to be spoiled on their birthday, so the Tobin Lofts staff has you covered on your big day.

Plant a Flower Day — March 12 from 6–7:30 p.m. — Spring is near, and this event is for anyone looking to improve their green thumb. Stop by the clubhouse to choose from a variety of plants to create a new apartment feel by starting your own garden.

St. Patrick’s Celebration — March 14 from 1–5 p.m. — The luck of the Irish is among us, and it’s time to celebrate. Stop by the office for shamrock punch and different St. Patrick’s Day treats, and guess how much gold is in the cauldron for a prize!

March Madness Kickoff — March 19 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. — It’s time to kick off this basketball season with a March Madness party. Come to the clubhouse to watch the big game and enjoy light refreshments and drinks.

Free Breakfast Friday — March 22 from 10 a.m.–noon — Looking for a quick bite to eat before class or to get your day started? Please join us in the morning to enjoy some breakfast from the Tobin Lofts staff.

National Cleaning Week — March 25–28 — Looking to clean out your apartment and make some space in the new year? Well, here’s your chance! Stop by the office to get some cleaning supplies and make your life a little tidier.